Arthur and Ballantine

This matter concerned parenting orders sought by Arthur and Ballantine. The court was required to determine the arrangements for the children B, C, D, and E, including their living arrangements, time spent with each parent, and communication and passport provisions.

The court's primary focus was to establish orders that reflected the best interests of the children. This involved determining a shared parental responsibility arrangement and outlining specific schedules for the children to live with each parent during school terms, holidays, and on significant dates such as Father's Day and Christmas. The court also addressed practical matters such as changeovers, communication between parents and children, and the holding of passports.

In its reasoning, the court applied principles of family law concerning parenting arrangements, aiming to ensure the children had meaningful time with both parents. The orders made reflect a detailed framework for the children's lives, including provisions to prevent negative interactions between the parents in the children's presence and to facilitate ongoing communication and information sharing regarding the children's welfare and education. The court also noted the parties' agreement to attend parenting programs and to manage the children's clothing separately.

The court made orders for equal shared parental responsibility and detailed living and contact arrangements for the children. These orders included provisions for school terms, summer holidays, Easter, Father's Day, and Christmas, as well as arrangements for communication, passports, and the exchange of information. The court also included restraints on the parties regarding discussions with the children about their parents and proceedings, and noted the parties' agreement to attend parenting programs. All outstanding applications were dismissed, save for any issues of costs.